| | | | Hello Everyone,
Happy Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas to everyone celebrating this week!
I was really pleased to be able to join the celebrations that we organised with faith partners across two of our wonderful temples in Newham this week. Marking the Hindu New Year, Diwali is celebrated the world over as friends and families come together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Bandi Chor Divas is celebrated by Sikhs and it marks the release of the esteemed sixth Guru Hargobind Singh Ji from imprisonment in 1619.
This week Chancellor Rachel Reeve’s unveiled the government’s Autumn Budget, which included announcements on public spending and investment. It was a good start, given the situation the new government inherited, and local government wasn’t expecting miracles. I welcome the emphasis on, and additional money allocated for, affordable housing, which mirrors our own Affordable Homes for Newham strategy – and both the new five-year social housing rent settlement supporting tenants with certainty, and the way that existing social housing stock will be protected by reducing Right to Buy discounts. You can read my full statement on the Autumn Statement here. Today I was over at Custom House to see some of the progress on the new social housing developments being built as part of our estate regeneration programme, which directly relates to this week’s announcements, not least because of the government’s plans to build 1.5 million homes. At the Leslie Road site, there’ll be 95 high-quality and well-designed homes built to the highest environmental standards because they are being built as Passivhaus energy-efficient homes, meaning lower energy bills. As we carefully work through the detail of the government’s Autumn Statement announcements, I’ll be sending further updates so that you can understand what they mean for Newham and how they can support us in our Building a Fairer Newham plans.
I’ve now led several public engagement sessions with residents and voluntary sector partners, with more to come in early November, to look at and understand the Council’s current budget situation and the proposals which are being put forward to balance next year’s budget that the Council has to do by law. These sessions will help inform our decision-making when we come to agree on the Council’s final budget– so please take part, and if you can’t make one of the sessions, please take a look at the online survey which will run until early January.
I’ll also been continuing the conversations I’ve been having with residents about the Regulator of Social Housing C4 judgement on the Council’s housing services at upcoming Local Area Forums across the borough. If you’re a tenant or leaseholder, or you live in a block or on an estate managed by us then please come along to the forum for your area. This will be your chance to have your say and help us to shape the housing services that you receive from us. You can find details of planned sessions here.
Today marks the start of Islamaphobia Awareness Month, with the theme of ‘Seeds of Change’. Against a backdrop of rising Islamaphobia, prejudice and discrimination the programme of events promotes our shared humanity, and sows the seeds of kindness, tolerance and humanity. Events are free for residents, have a look at the online programme to see what’s planned and book a place.
From Monday our libraries will be open as Warm Havens, where there will be free warm drinks, free access to computers, help and advice, as well as activities for all ages, including parent and toddler sessions, coffee mornings, code clubs, digital skills sessions, chess, knitting and lot’s more. Whether you're looking for a place to relax and stay warm, take part in activities, or simply borrow a book, our libraries are here for you.
Until next week, stay well and enjoy the weekend.
Best wishes,
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz |
| | If, like Vivian and Fasreen, who are part of Newham’s Family Navigator’s team based in East Ham Library, you are committed to taking action to build a fairer Newham no matter what challenges we face, we want to hear from you.
Join Newham's Mayor and senior officers, to look at future budget plans on Wednesday 13 November, between 1pm and 3pm, by reserving your place at the Online Resident Budget Engagement Session.
Find out more about Newham’s budget challenges and the reasons behind them, and more about the work of Vivian and Fasreen, and others like them, who are delivering services which save or divert costs.
Find out more on the We've Got This pages of the Newham website >
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| | Have you nominated your local hero for a 2024 Newham Civic Awards?
Do you know a local resident, entrepreneur, group, organisation, or company making an incredible impact in Newham?
If so, it’s time to nominate them for a 2024 Newham Civic Award. Since their launch in 2022, the Civic Awards have recognised inspiring local heroes creating meaningful change in Newham. Winners are honoured at a prestigious ceremony at Stratford Old Town Hall, with the Mayor of Newham and the Chief Executive of the Council. The evening includes entertainment, performances showcasing local talent, and a three-course meal to make it a memorable experience for all.
There are a total of 10 Newham Civic Awards available, including the Good Neighbour Award, Green Champion Award, and Youth Excellence Award. Submit your nomination by Monday 11 November 2024, at 23:59.
Make a nomination in the Newham Civic Awards today > |
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| Newham’s Interfaith Week: 10 - 17 November Join us for the opening event of Newham’s Faith Buildings and Stories installation on Thursday 14 November, from 6 - 7:30 pm at Green Street Library, as we celebrate Interfaith Week.
Shahed Saleem, an architect and educator at the University of Westminster, will showcase a visual display of Newham’s historic faith buildings, accompanied by oral histories from faith leaders, reflecting on faith and public space. The featured sites include:
- West Ham Synagogue, E7
- St Mary Magdalene, E6
- London Sri Mahalakshmi Hindu Temple, E12
- East London Buddhist Cultural Centre, E13
- Al Hira Mosque & Educational Centre, E13
- Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara, E7
Book a ticket for the opening event > |
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| | Making the most of your money webinar
Would you like to learn more about the steps you could take to feel confident about your finances?
As part of Talk Money Week, the Council’s financial wellbeing service, Our Newham Money, will host a free webinar with HSBC on Thursday 7 November.
The session will cover essential topics like understanding credit reports, budget planning, savings, debt management, protection and avoiding fraud.
Don't miss out on valuable insights to improve your financial wellbeing.
Register here > |
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| Help teenagers make a positive choice about vaccinations
Vaccines save millions of lives all over the world, and getting vaccinated is a normal part of growing up in the UK. Most vaccines are given before a child starts primary school, but there are some vaccines that are offered at secondary school.
These vaccinations are given by a team of trained, highly experienced vaccinators who will visit your child’s school. It’s natural to have questions about vaccinations and we want to give you the information you need via the Well Newham website. You will also be able to watch videos we’ve produced in partnership with the NHS, to help you make the right decision for you and your family.
Find key vaccination information > |
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| | We are delivering physical activity packs to Newham children
This half-term week, we have been working with the Newham Food Alliance and Welcome Newham Team to distribute dozens of physical activity packs to help some of the borough’s most disadvantaged children get and stay active. The packs have been produced in partnership with our leisure provider, GLL, who are funding the items. They include a skipping rope, frisbee, two plastic tennis rackets, a sponge ball, four cones and leaflets, providing additional information and support. The plans support our 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham (2024-2027) strategy, aimed at improving the health of all Newham residents, while also reducing health inequalities.
More information about the activities and facilities available at Newham’s leisure centres, and within the community, here > |
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| Free health checks for Newham businesses
We are pleased to be offering free cardiovascular health checks in workplaces across Newham until March 2025, in partnership with Newham Health Collaborative. Trained professionals will arrive at workplaces and carry out basic health measures, including blood pressure and body mass index (BMI), while also asking questions about lifestyle habits, including smoking and diet. The checks will only be carried out on those aged between 25 and 84, providing they’re not taking medication for a long-term condition.
If you are interested, please email >
You can find more information about the health checks on the Well Newham website > |
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| | New Family Hub opens in Manor Park
A new Family Hub has opened in Manor Park, serving as a “one-stop shop” for local families. This hub, one of three in Newham Council’s Family Hub Network, was opened by Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz and Councillor Sarah Ruiz at Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre. Families explored the services available, which include antenatal care, infant feeding support, and early years education. Councillor Ruiz said: “This is all part of our investment in children and young people to ensure they get the support they need from birth through to adulthood.” The Family Hub is located at Manor Park Community Children’s Centre, E12 5PB.
Call the hub >
Email the hub > |
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| Youth Work Week – 4 November until 10 November
Youth Work Week is a celebration of all things youth work. The week long campaign will take place from 4 November until 10 November. This year’s theme is ‘a right to youth work for all – delivering positive futures for young people. The theme aims to highlight the many ways youth work spaces are made accessible to all and which enable young people to explore and celebrate their own identity and values.
For further information about youth work in Newham, see here > |
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| | Our Newham: Empowering residents and businesses with confidential advice and support
Our Newham is the council’s service exclusively for Newham residents supporting you across five programmes: Money, Work, Business & Enterprise, Learning & Skills and Youth.
From helping residents maximise their income and kickstarting career journeys to supporting local businesses and start-ups, find out how Our Newham can help give you the boost you need at: www.newham.gov.uk/ournewham or come and visit us at 112-118 The Grove, E15 1NS
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| | Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
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